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Mandarin M3™ version 1.1 released with new features
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New features include: enhanced searching capabilities, scoping, multi-language support and a union catalog hosting service
Press release: Boca Raton, FL, May 1, 2000 – Enhanced union catalog
capabilities, multi-language support and expanded database functionality are among the special new features available in the recently-released version 1.1 of the Mandarin M3™, according to
SIRS Mandarin, Inc., developer of the library automation system.
Library patrons will enjoy the many user-friendly enhancements added to
M3 such as Visual Catalog, a graphical search method now available on the M3 OPAC and Web OPAC which enables patrons to perform searches based on visual cues as well as text.
Mandarin M3 is an award-winning, PC-based client/server library
automation system suitable for school, public, academic and special libraries. M3 not only conforms to the most advanced bibliographic and technological standards, its Windows functionality makes it highly navigable
for users of all ages. M3 is powered by a proprietary search engine specifically designed by SIRS Mandarin to search full MARC records, and includes 32-bit client/server architecture delivering optimum workstation
speed and an unlimited LAN workstation license.
Libraries wishing to offer access to their collections via the Internet can
expand Mandarin M3 to include optional Z39.50 (level 3) client/server modules or Web Gateways for Adults and Children.
Version 1.1 of Mandarin M3 includes numerous features designed to place
advanced library management tools in the hands of librarians and patrons.
School districts and public library systems seeking an easy, cost-effective
way to promote resource-sharing among individual libraries will benefit from M3’s convenient new Union Catalog Hosting Service. With this new
service, libraries can have their collections hosted and serviced at SIRS Mandarin’s corporate office in Boca Raton, Florida. M3’s Classic Merged Union Catalog
lets libraries share MARC records and current information about patrons and holdings on a central server. Optional Z39.50 client/server modules and M3 Web Gateways for Adults and Children
enable districts interested in establishing a union catalog on the Internet to set up a Virtual Union Catalog.
Libraries now enjoy greater flexibility when searching for records using M3’s
new Scoping feature. When connected to a central database, individual libraries sometimes find it difficult to determine which database records
belong to their collections. Scoping limits record viewing capability to a library’s own individual records. In addition, scoping provides participating libraries with increased record management capabilities.
M3’s advanced cataloging and circulation modules have been expanded to
include a number of user-friendly features, including:
Multi-Language Support
is provided for users and patrons in Spanish and French-speaking regions at home and abroad. SIRS bilingual technical support is also available.
Self Check and Return
allows patrons to check out and return their own books, magazines and other resources without the need for librarian assistance. This feature alleviates time demands on librarians while limiting
patron access to certain system functions.
Search and Replace
enables users to instantly locate and modify text in the catalog database’s records.
Booking
lets librarians reserve current holdings for a future date and time.
M3 OPACs have been modified with features that enhance flexibility and
graphical appeal to librarians and patrons alike, such as:
Visual Catalog allows patrons to perform searches based on visual cues
or text, as well as launch software applications and link to the Internet from the interface.
Full MARC Display
presents full MARC information on-screen, eliminating unnecessary scrolling.
Patrons can effectively narrow their searches for appropriate resources by
searching complete fields using Whole Field Browsing.
Shelf Browse
is a new feature on the Web OPAC which provides information about materials shelved on either side of a call number.
Also new to the Web OPAC is Book Bag
, which lets users collect individual bibliographic records from a series of searches and leave the library with a complete bibliography.
Additionally, circulation, cataloging and both OPAC modules include new
Equipment Databases, which let libraries catalog and track in-house usage of audiovisual and technology equipment with ease. M3 users also
benefit from a host of new circulation and statistical reports that monitor recently-acquired items, collected fines, overdue items and more.
Mandarin M3 is accompanied by a wide variety of exceptional services and
support, such as retrospective conversion, computer hardware, training and educational users’ group meetings. SIRS technical support – 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week – provides customers with superior, round-the-clock automation solutions.
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